Write an account of the production and distribution of petroleum in India.

Introduction: Petroleum (Crude Oil) and Natural Gas are the strategic lifelines of the modern industrial economy. India produces ~30 million metric tonnes (MMT) of domestic crude oil annually, meeting ~15% of domestic consumption while importing the remaining ~85%.

1. Major Petroleum Producing Basins & Distribution in India:

• 1. Western Offshore Basin (Leading Producing Region - ~50% Output):
  • Mumbai High (1974): Located 176 km off Mumbai coast in the Arabian Sea; India's richest offshore oilfield (operated by ONGC via Sagar Samrat platform).
  • Bassein and Aliabet: Rich offshore gas and oil structures in the Gulf of Khambhat.
• 2. Gujarat Basin (Western Onshore - ~15–18% Output):
  • Ankleshwar: Termed by Nehru as the "Fountain of Prosperity".
  • Cambay, Kalol, Mehsana, and Nawagam oilfields.
• 3. Rajasthan Basin (Barmer - ~20–25% Output):
  • Mangala, Bhagyam, and Aishwariya fields in the Barmer-Sanchor basin (operated by Vedanta/Cairn India); major onshore domestic producer.
• 4. Eastern & North-Eastern Basin (Assam - Pioneer Region):
  • Digboi (1889): Oldest operating oilfield in Asia.
  • Naharkatiya, Moran-Hugrijan, and Surma Valley.
• 5. Eastern Offshore (Krishna-Godavari / KG Basin):
  • KG-D6 deepwater block off the Andhra coast; massive natural gas reserves.

2. Refining & Pipeline Networks:

• India possesses ~255 MMTPA refining capacity (4th largest in the world), led by Jamnagar Refinery (Reliance - largest in the world), Bina Refinery (MP), and Paradip.
• Major crude pipelines: Salaya-Mathura-Bina-Panipat and Naharkatiya-Barauni.

Conclusion: Strengthening domestic exploration under OALP and expanding strategic petroleum reserves (SPR at Mangalore, Padur, Visakhapatnam) are vital for national energy security.